Finishes and Finishing

Find finishing techniques, tips, and tricks including stains, water-based and oil finishes, dyes, exterior finishes, and urethanes. You'll also learn how to create your own finishes.

Try Filler Sticks to Repair Dents and Dings

My projects sometimes have nicks that need to be filled. I’ve heard a little bit about a burnin technique. How difficult is that skill to learn?

Wood Finish Marketing Myths

The makers of a lot of wood finishing products describe how they “nourish the wood” or “replace natural oils.” Are these accurate statements or hokum?

Does polyurethane glue take stain?

In issue 155, page 112, you talked about polyurethane glues. Once the foam dries and you chisel it off, does the glue prevent the wood from absorbing stain?

Both sides of finishing

I finished my workbench top with several applications of Watco Danish Oil, top and bottom. I know it periodically will need re-oiling. Should I re-oil the bottom, too?

Stripping a finish

I want to remove the clear finish from a piece of furniture. What is the best chemical to use? This isn’t a valuable antique, merely an old table that’s showing wear.